by Jackie-Savi Cannon

I was asked to MC an International Woman’s Day event recently. Over 700 women attended to celebrate a day that connects women across the world and inspires us all to not only continue achieving greatness but to also stop and celebrate who we are today and how far we have come – both as a group and as individuals. It is wonderful living in a time where women have the opportunity to realize their dreams and full potential.

“You are enough.”
Although we as women are great; we are flawed. The reason is we continue to judge ourselves and each other – looking for imperfections and inadequacies. We teach our daughters to do the same and some how we believe we are never good enough. As the MC, I spoke with many women that evening. One that stands out in my mind is a European woman who was in her late fifties. She was purchasing some jewelry from one of the displays that were set up. As we talked, I mentioned how beautiful the jewelry would look on her. She went on to respond that “it didn’t really matter because she will never really wear it”, and looked down at the floor. In the tone of her voice she obviously did not feel she was worthy of feeling beautiful.

I saw a deep sense of sadness and regret in her eyes. I attempted to give her words of encouragement but her mind was made up. It amazes me that with all the wonderful things we do – women still believe they are not good enough. As of today I want you to believe that you are. As one of my mentors Susan Duxter says “I am enough”. Regardless of what your history is or your life goals are, you must give yourself permission to believe that at this moment, you are truly enough. Once you believe this, you are at peace with yourself. Once you believe this, it is by your own choice that you improve and strive to become even more than what you are today. You will believe that you are worthy of great things.

“Do you feel worthy?”
I remember driving my daughter Emma, who was 4 and a half at the time, to her dance class one night. Her class went on a field trip to the fire station that day. Out of nowhere with all seriousness, she says to me “Mom, I could be a fire fighter when I grow up but I think I would like to be a princess instead.” Trying to keep a straight face I simply said, “Emma you could do either one. Whatever you think is best for you is great.”

What I love about that conversation is that she truly believes that she is worthy of being a princess. And why not? When did we stop believing that we were worthy of respect, love, authority, education and of course a diamond tiara? Isn’t it funny how children can remind us of such grown up concepts?

So as we celebrate the magic we as women possess, I would like you to take a moment to recognize why you are worthy of wearing your tiara. Think of one thing that makes you great. As women we are afraid to publicly acknowledge ourselves. As we celebrate each other this month, don’t be afraid to be proud of who you are. Don’t hesitate in sharing your gifts with the women you interact with daily. Don’t wait for one night each year to celebrate who you are. I want you to continue to celebrate tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that. Continue to celebrate and share that celebration with those around you.

This joy is infectious and the positive energy will spread.

This is what makes us magical.

Filed under: Author Jackie, Jackie Savi-Cannon, Life